Identification and Assessment of Thematic Paths Through the Cultural Paths Assessment Tool (PAST). The Case Study of Cagliari, Italy

Processes of urbanization, market liberalization and exploitation of heritage can engender the fragmentation and deterioration of historical urban landscapes. Cultural paths are a central aspect of policies of cultural heritage valorisation. Hence, this study proposes the Cultural Paths Assessment Tool (PAST) as a methodological framework for individuating a network of paths connecting cultural heritage components and for assessing their usefulness. The relevance of the PAST lies in the combination of Space Syntax techniques, GIS analytic tools and qualitative analysis within a Multi-criteria analysis framework. The proposed methodology—applied to the analysis of the historical district of Marina in the city of Cagliari (Italy)—addresses the need to establish methodologies and analytic tools that support decision making processes for conserving, managing and valorising historic Urban landscapes.